CENTCOM Enforces Blockade as 21 Ships Turned Back from Iran
U.S. Central Command confirmed on April 18, 2026, that 21 merchant vessels have been forced to turn back since a naval blockade on Iranian ports was implemented on April 13. The guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112) and the littoral combat ship USS Canberra are actively patrolling the Arabian Sea to enforce the measures. President Trump affirmed the blockade will remain in place until a comprehensive peace deal is reached regarding Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities.